284 - Robert F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed and Draft Memorandum for the Proposed John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library

Robert F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed and Draft Memorandum for the Proposed John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library TLS signed “Bob,” one page, 7 x 9, The Attorney General letterhead, January 14, 1964. Letter to Robert Troutman, Jr., in full: "I thought you might be interested in seeing the attached memorandum, which gives a general idea of the proposed John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library." Includes a seven-page carbon copy draft of a issued by RFK to the trustees of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, outlining several important points in establishing the institution, breaking down progress in each category: architecture ("Nineteen distinguished American and foreign architects, artists and designers have agreed to serve on an Advisory council," including eventual architect I. M. Pei); components ("The Museum will display photographs, files, scientific objects, and memorabilia...The Archive is the component most commonly associated with the concept of Presidential Libraries and it will indeed include President Kennedy's papers, books, and records"); funding ("The Kennedy Library, like the other Presidential Libraries, is being built with funds contributed by the public"); traveling exhibits; and press coverage. In fine condition. The recipient, Robert Troutman, Jr., had been Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.'s roommate at Harvard Law School. He later served as Southern campaign manager for John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign and, after the election, was appointed to the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity, the forerunner to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum was founded to preserve the legacy of the 35th president of the United States and dedicated on October 20, 1979, with President Jimmy Carter and members of the Kennedy family in attendance. Originally planned for Harvard University, the library was ultimately built on a waterfront site in Dorchester, Boston. Designed by architect I. M. Pei, the striking modernist building houses Kennedy’s papers, artifacts, and exhibits celebrating his life and presidency.